Michael Smith looks forward to special night in Liverpool: "Gave me a great homecoming last year"

After a final place in Rotterdam, Michael Smith may again cautiously hope for a spot in the playoffs of Premier League Darts. 'Bullyboy' is still fifth in the rankings, but the gap to number four Michael van Gerwen has been reduced to two points.

Thursday night in Liverpool, Smith will have a good chance to rack up points again as he opens against Rob Cross. The latter is number seven in the standings and virtually stranded for a spot in the last four.

The match against Cross can be seen as a home game for Smith. Although Smith is a Manchester United fan, the playing city of Liverpool is only 22 kilometers away from his hometown of St Helens. “Liverpool is always special for me,” said Smith to PDC.TV. “I’m really looking forward to it. The fans gave me a great homecoming last year, and hopefully it’s just as good this year.  

Smith began the Premier League by winning the opening night in Cardiff, but that is his only weekly title so far. After that, he lost three weekly finals. “It would be nice to get another win under my belt, but I’m just focused on trying to win the two points against Rob tomorrow."

The former world champion is hopeful about his chances against Cross. “I feel like my game is in a good place. I know I’m playing well in the first round matches. It’s not quite happening in finals at the minute, but hopefully that changes!”